Because of increased mechanization fewer farm workers are needed. The number of family members who work their own farms dropped from just under 8 million in 1950 to around 2 million in 2000. Most farms in the United States are family-owned. In 1997, individuals or families owned 86% of all farms. These farms were responsible for 52% of farm product sales. As throughout the world, the average age of farm operators has risen steadily over the years. Click on CHARTS and MAPS below for additional information about farming.